Back taxes are taxes that are either partially or completely unpaid by the tax filing deadline for that year. You can generally file back taxes online for recent years, while older returns should be submitted on paper.
If you miss the deadline without filing an extension, interest and penalties may be incurred in addition to your original tax bill. However, the IRS typically won’t charge interest or penalties if you’re owed a refund.
Key takeaways on filing back taxes
- Back taxes refer to unpaid taxes for a specific year. Back taxes typically accrue interest and penalties if they are not filed on time, unless you’re owed a tax refund.
- If you’re unable to pay back taxes owed, the IRS offers various repayment options, allowing you to manage your tax bill effectively.
- You can claim refunds for back taxes filed within three years of the original due date.
- If you’re unsure whether you owe back taxes, you can call the IRS, log in to your IRS account, check for mailed notices from the IRS, or review your past filed returns for errors.
How to file back taxes
Filing back taxes is a great opportunity to organize your finances, especially if it’s been several years since the filing deadline. Luckily, we’ve gathered a few important tips to make the filing process a bit easier!
- Find your tax documents: You can always request prior-year W-2s from your employer. But, in this digital age, most of your tax documents can be found online. You can also see which forms your employer filed with the IRS by requesting a tax transcript. Copies of transcripts for prior years can be downloaded on the IRS website. Not sure what to look for? Our tax prep checklist accounts for all the tax documents you need to file.
- Request a transcript (if necessary): If you can’t find your tax documents, you can request a transcript from the IRS for the tax years in question. The information you receive won’t be an exact copy of the original forms, but you will receive the information needed to file back taxes.
- Double-check the tax year on your forms: It’s important to match the correct forms with the tax year you’re filing for. Tax laws and forms change each year, so make sure this is accurate.
- Get a payment plan if you can’t pay back taxes: The IRS offers several repayment options if you can’t pay your tax bill. Keep reading to get more information on IRS payment plans.
TaxSlayer allows you to prepare back taxes for up to three years after the filing deadline. However, you must print these returns and mail them in, as TaxSlayer currently does not support online filing for back taxes.
Simply follow these steps:
Step 1. Log in to your account or create a new account to begin.
Step 2. Then select the “Prior Years” tab in the middle of the “My Account” page.
Step 3. Choose the year you wish to create and select “Start a New Tax Return.”
Step 4. Next, you’ll enter the income and expense information for the year you are filing.
Step 5. Once your return is complete, you can file it in your account on the IRS website. You also have the option to print out and mail your tax return to the IRS. The mailing address for the IRS varies based on your state of residence.
When you prepare your back taxes with TaxSlayer, you’ll get all the correct forms and instructions for the specific year you are completing.
How to file back taxes with TaxSlayer
Once you’ve gathered your necessary documents for the year you are filing, use TaxSlayer to enter your information and prepare your tax return. Even though you’re not able to use TaxSlayer to submit back taxes electronically at this time, you can still use our program to easily enter your tax information into the correct forms. Then, you can file your prior year tax return by printing and mailing it to the IRS.
How many years can you file back taxes?
You can prepare returns up to three years old with TaxSlayer. This means that in 2026, you can use TaxSlayer to file your 2025 tax return, plus you can prepare back taxes for the years 2024, 2023, and 2022.
If needed, you can file back further using paper filing. You can typically find the forms for earlier years on the IRS website.
The IRS typically does not investigate returns that are more than six years overdue. In other words, your past six years of tax returns are usually the only ones considered for auditing.
Reasons to file back taxes
By filing your back taxes, you can have peace of mind knowing that your finances are in order. Here are some ways you can benefit from filing your back taxes:
1. Avoid penalties and interest: Filing back taxes minimizes penalties and interest. Delaying can lead to owing more money.
2. Claim money owed to you: If you are due a refund from past years, filing allows you to claim that money. The IRS issues refund for prior year returns for up to three years.
3. Prevent collection actions: Submitting your back taxes can help avoid more severe collection measures like wage garnishments, allowing you to stay in control of your finances.
5. Loan and financial aid eligibility: Many financial institutions require proof of tax filing for loans or assistance. Filing back taxes improves your chances of securing funding.
6. Secure Social Security: For the self-employed, not filing may affect future Social Security benefits. Filing ensures your income is accurately recorded for future eligibility for Social Security benefits.
What happens if I don’t pay my back taxes?
If you filed your tax return but can’t pay your tax bill, contact the IRS to set up a repayment plan. If your taxes go unpaid after Tax Day, the IRS will begin to place interest or penalties on your tax return.
If your tax bill goes unpaid for a long period of time, the IRS may seize your assets and property, or place liens on your property.
IRS tax penalty relief
The IRS offers relief for several tax penalties, such as first-time penalty abatement, relief for reasonable cause, and relief due to statutory exceptions. Check out the IRS website to find out if you’re eligible for penalty relief and how to claim it.
Can you file previous years’ taxes online for free?
You can’t file previous years’ taxes for free using TaxSlayer, but you can use TaxSlayer to prepare your return. To file back taxes, locate the necessary tax documents for the tax year in question, prepare your tax return with TaxSlayer, and file throughthe IRS website. If you are filing a return over three years past due, you’ll need to download those tax forms from the IRS website, then mail them to the IRS office in your state.
How to file back taxes without a W-2 or 1099
There are steps you can take if you are trying to file a return without a W-2. You can always start by asking your employer for a new copy. They can usually request prior year tax forms from their payroll provider.
If you can’t get the form by the end of February, try contacting the IRS. They will reach out to your employer and request the form be issued.
If you are still not able to get a copy of your W-2, you can file your return using Form 4852. This form can be used as a substitute for Form W-2, Form W-2C, and Form 1099-R.
If you haven’t received a copy of your 1099, you can contact the IRS for assistance in requesting documents from the issuer. You may be able to find the information you need to file through other statements or account summaries provided by the issuer. For example, if you are waiting to receive Form 1099-INT for interest paid, your bank may include an overview of the year’s interest paid in your bank statement. If you are self-employed, you may receive Form 1099-NEC from clients documenting your payments. If not, you can use your own income and expense records to file your returns. Your personal records can also be used to report income typically reported on 1099-MISC.
When completing your tax return, you are not required to include a copy of any 1099 forms. However, you must report the information accurately. If you need information from forms like 1099-K, 1099-B, or 1099-DIV, consider other ways to get the information you need.
For instance, you can contact the original issuer, and they may be able to provide the information you need over the phone or online. As long as you have accurate information, you can file your return.
You don’t have to wait to file your return if you don’t have your document. But if you file your return without the form and later receive a 1099, you should amend your tax return using Form 1040-X to claim any earnings or withheld income reported on the 1099 that was not previously reported.
Can you get a tax refund when filing back taxes?
Yes, if you file the return within three years of the original due date. This time limit also applies to claiming tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Tax credits and deductions can significantly reduce your tax liability, so it’s in your best interest to file within this three-year window to get the tax breaks and the refund you deserve. If you have back taxes that you still need to file, you can get started for free today with TaxSlayer.
How to check if you’ve filed back taxes
If you’ve filed tax returns with TaxSlayer, you can access up to three years of prior year returns within your account. If you did not file with TaxSlayer or are looking for returns older than three years, you will need to request your documents from the IRS.
Outside of your TaxSlayer account, the fastest way to check if you have filed prior year returns is to request your tax history directly on the IRS website. You can access your tax records by creating an IRS Online Account.
You can review how much you owe, your payment history, your prior year adjusted gross income, and other tax transcripts. Keep in mind, the IRS can investigate tax returns up to three years from the time you filed. For that reason, it is wise to keep tax records for at least three years from the time you file.
More help preparing your taxes for previous years
TaxSlayer has all the forms for the year you are filing ready to go. However, if you need a little extra help, we recommend using TaxSlayer Premium for extra support options. For example, the Ask A Tax Pro feature allows you to consult a tax expert on your specific tax circumstance. Using TaxSlayer Premium, you’ll get support fast, with priority phone and email support and access to live chat.
